Determination of atmospheric trace metal concentrations by isotope dilution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry after separation from interfering elements by solvent extraction

Abstract

An isotope dilution ICP-MS method for the determination of six elements (Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Tl and Pb) in atmospheric particulate samples is described. The method involves a complexation/solvent extraction step to separate these elements from potentially interfering elements prior to ICP-MS analysis. Accuracy of the method was demonstrated by analysis of a Vehicle Exhaust Particulates CRM. The method was successfully applied to the analysis of atmospheric particulates collected in a remote mountainous area of Hokkaido Island, Japan.